Who is on the ECMO team?
The ECMO team caring for your child is made up of a neonatologist or an intensivist, surgeon, ECMO primer, ECMO specialist, ICU nurses and respiratory therapists. Neonatologist or intensivist: A pediatrician who specializes in the care of very sick babies or children, who is the primary doctor for your child. These physicians have received special training in the management of the ECMO machine and patient. Pediatric surgeon: A surgeon who specializes in surgery performed on children, who places and removes the cannulas needed for ECMO. The surgery takes place in the ICU. ECMO primer: An intensive care nurse or respiratory therapist educated in the functioning of the ECMO machine. The primer prepares the machine and circuit and helps the surgeon and physician in placing your child on ECMO. In the event there are problems while your child is on ECMO, the primer works with the ECMO specialist to correct the problem. ECMO specialist: An intensive care nurse or respiratory therapist trained
